Leonia Maria "Lena" Van Roestel

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mom, Leonia “Lena” Van Roestel. Lena passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026 in Mountain Lea Lodge, Bridgetown, where she had been a resident for over eleven years.

Mom is survived by her four children, Jack (Betty), Marian (Greg), Adrian, and Jim. She was Oma to seven grandchildren whom she adored: Aaron (Carrie), Talia, Lee (Tricia), Alison (Niels), Alex, Lucas, and Olivia. She was great-Oma to Case, Anika, Orion, Thomas, Rose, Lena, Brooks, and Macall. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Goodale, and brother-in-law, Gary Yates (Cathy).

Lena was predeceased by her loving husband, William “Bill”, in June 2025; her parents, Adrianus and Maria Van der Vloet; her brothers, Frank (Rika) and John (Lucy); and her sisters, Cornelia (Jack), Elisabeth (Konrad), and Anne.

Mom was born on March 28, 1932, in Alphen, Holland. She immigrated to Ontario in 1951 with her family. Mom and Dad were married in 1957 and soon after moved to Nova Scotia, where they established a successful dairy farm in Clarence, known as Bonnie Vale Farm. She was a true partner alongside Dad for 35 years. Never one to shy away from hard work, Mom was involved in all aspects of the farm, from milking and feeding to managing the herd, and was truly the heart of the operation.

Mom and Dad retired from farming in 1992 and moved to Middleton. She embraced a slower pace of life, learning to drive and golf, and continued enjoying duplicate bridge. They also spent many winters in Florida together.

An accident in 2007 changed Mom’s life, and shortly thereafter she began experiencing memory issues. Dad cared for her at home as long as he could, providing her with unwavering love and support. In 2014, when her care needs increased, she became a resident of Mountain Lea Lodge, where she received exceptional care. Our family cannot express enough gratitude to the staff—the compassion, dignity, and love they showed Mom never went unnoticed.

Cremation has taken place. A service for both Mom and Dad will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 20, 2026 in Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, 1-855-825-3448, with a reception to follow. For those unable to attend the service there will be a livestreaming of the service available at 1:55 p.m., Saturday, June 20 ADT, by selecting the 'livestream' option on the funeral home webpage.

Donations in Lena’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society, Mountain Lea Lodge Recreation, or a local food bank. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com